Don’t slip up

In 2012, slips, trips and falls resulted in 704 work-related deaths and roughly 220,000 cases with days away from work, according to the 2015 edition of the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts.” To help prevent slips, trips and falls among workers:

• Be mindful of changes in elevation, including stairs, curbs and ramps.
• Keep cords out of walkways.
• Clean up spills as soon as possible and use caution signs to warn of wet floors.
• Wear appropriate footwear, including shoes that have non-skid soles as well as ankle and heel support.
• If using a ladder, choose the correct one for the job and ensure you know how to use it properly. When on a ladder, keep a minimum of three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand).
• Never carry tools in your hands when climbing a ladder. Instead, store them in a tool belt.
• Ensure the ladder’s base is on a firm surface.